the initial dividing of the psyche into three areas or systems as postulated by Sigmund Freud in 1913. The divided sects are: (i) the system unconscious, comprised of unaware urges clustering around particular drives or instincts; (ii) the system conscious, that permits the person to acclimate to society, differentiate between inner and outer reality, postpone gratification, and anticipate the future; and (iii) the system preconscious, that resides between the unconscious and conscious systems and is comprised of logical, authentic ideas mixed with irrational pictures and fantasies.
TOPOGRAPHIC MODEL: "The topographic model is often referred to as a descriptive or systematic approach."
Cite this page: N., Pam M.S., "TOPOGRAPHIC MODEL," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 29, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/topographic-model/ (accessed September 21, 2019).
